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How to Make Part of an Image Transparent Using Photopea or Adobe Photoshop

Updated Today · 2 min read

Photopea is a free, browser-based photo editor that works similarly to Photoshop — no download or account required. This guide walks you through removing part of an image to make it transparent, which is useful for creating overlays and frames with a clear photo area.

To get started, go to photopea.com.

What You'll Need

  • Your image file (PNG format recommended for transparent results)
  • A few minutes

Step 1: Open Your Image

  1. On the Photopea homepage, click Open From Computer.
  2. Select your image file.

Step 2: Unlock the Layer

Before editing, you need to unlock the image layer so changes can be made to it.

  1. In the Layers panel on the right, look for your image layer — it will have a padlock icon next to it.
  2. Double-click the padlock icon and click OK.

The layer is now unlocked and ready to edit.

Step 3: Select the Area You Want to Make Transparent

  1. In the toolbar on the left, select the Rectangle Select Tool (or press M on your keyboard).
  2. Click and drag over the area you want to make transparent.

💡 Need a more precise selection? Use the Magic Wand Tool (press W) to click on a solid-colored area and let Photopea automatically select it for you.

Step 4: Delete the Selected Area

  1. Once your selection is active (you'll see a dotted outline around it), press the Delete key on your keyboard.

The selected area will be replaced with a grey and white checkerboard pattern — this means it's transparent.

Step 5: Export as PNG

Transparency only saves correctly in PNG format. Saving as JPG will fill the transparent area with white.

  1. Go to File → Export As → PNG.
  2. Click Save.

Your image is now saved with a transparent area, ready to use as an overlay or frame.

💡 Tips

  • If you make a mistake, press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) to undo.
  • Zoom in using Ctrl + + for more precise selections.
  • The checkerboard pattern is not part of your image — it's just how transparency is displayed on screen.

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